yachting

Preparations
Before you head out onto the River Maas it is advisable to secure the ship’s inventory, as conditions on the Maas can get pretty rough from time to time, especially when the wind and current are going in opposite directions. Cargo ships and canal boats can also make considerable waves. It is advisable to drain the fuel tank in advance to remove water or dirt. Otherwise there is a risk of the filters becoming blocked. 
A recent hydrographic chart of the port area is essential. 
Recreational sailors coming from the direction of Gouda who are apprehensive about sailing over the Nieuwe Maas can also reach Rotterdam inland via the Ringvaart through the Zuidplaspolder and De Rotte. This is by no means the quickest route but it is a lot quieter. Please note, however, that there are limitations on clearance height and depth: 2.40 m. and 0.90 m respectively.

Registering ship’s information
You are required to register the details of your ship if it is suitable for transporting over 12 people. In that case the rules for registering ship’s information are the same as those for passenger ships on the checklist for inland shipping. 

Communication 
The vessels detailed above and ships longer than 20 metres are required to keep a listening watch on the VHF channel. For smaller vessels, this obligation only applies if the ship is equipped with a VHF transmitter/receiver. 

Regulations
All navigation in the Port of Rotterdam is subject to the Rotterdam Port Bye-laws, in addition to the Inland Navigation Police Regulations (BPR).  

The Rotterdam Harbor Basins are not accessible to recreational vessels. Sailing on the Maas and other through routes is subject to the same rules as apply on the major rivers: 

• Keep to the starboard at all times. 
• Ensure that the motor is always ready for use. Sailing is permitted, but tacking (i.e. alternating direction in a zigzagging course) is strictly forbidden.    

Berthing
Ships are only allowed to berth in yacht basins and, for short periods of time, along the fender walls of bridges and locks.

Ship’s waste
Containers for household refuse are present at public berths. 
Most yacht basins offer the possibility to dispose of small-scale ship’s waste (motor oil, filters, cleaning rags etc.).